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Calgary Herald

TUTS: Legally Blonde the Musical's Elle Woods 'a quadruple-threat' role

Article content Article content Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, 610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver Article content Elle Woods, that bubbly, pink-loving legal eagle made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 movie Legally Blonde, returns to the stage this summer. Back by popular demand, Theatre Under the Stars' production of Legally Blonde The Musical plays alternate evenings with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We talked to LBTM director Jayme Armstrong, who is originally from Vancouver, about the show. Article content Article content Article content A: It was a dream role. It was on my bucket list. And Elle is probably the most difficult role I ever played in my career. Truly, I call it a quadruple-threat role — you have to sing, dance, act and be funny. Then throw in a million costume changes. It's a very, very busy show. Article content Q: Plus, you're a brunette. Article content A: I am. I am a brunette, although I've played many blondes. When I did the show, I wore a wig. Most Elles do end up wearing a wig just because of the nature of the show. It's easier to keep her hair looking perfect all the time. Article content Q: How much preparation did you do for the role? Article content A: I started training several months before. I learned the entire vocal score, and then sang it while running on the treadmill. Article content Q: Is that one of the tips that you gave to Abby Woodhouse, the actress playing Elle this time out? Article content A: Yeah. Before we started rehearsal, I sat down with Abby virtually, because I'm based in Ontario now, and just spent some time going over the role and talking about some of the challenges and ways to help her prep. It's definitely a major advantage on such a star vehicle type of show to have a director who has played not only that role, but many roles of this nature, so is able to help somebody from the younger generation navigate how to manage their efforts and their energy levels and vocal maintenance to make sure that they're ready to execute this. Article content Article content Article content A: It's a much harder show than anybody expects. It's very large and super-fast-paced. There's a ton of musical numbers, and almost every one is a big production number involving the whole cast. And many of the numbers also travel to several locations within them, which presents a challenge for moving constantly in terms of the set. And then when people are offstage, almost every time they exit, it's a quick change for pretty much the entire cast. Article content A: I really wanted this story to come from an all-female creative team. I have an amazing choreographer, Lyndsey Britten, working with me and Eliza De Castro on music. The way I describe it is, it's a love letter from women to women. It celebrates all that it means to be feminine. And one thing about Legally Blonde is that people often think it's a very stereotypical story, but actually it's a super empowering story about somebody who is stereotyped and ends up defying her own expectations, as well as everyone else's, by finding her own path. Article content